This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored interactive online risk reduction program versus a standard online risk reduction program in reducing the risk of STD infection in young adults.

Efficacy of internet-based program for increasing condom use with non-main sex partners [ Time Frame: Measured at baseline and Month 2 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Secondary Outcome Measures:

Efficacy of internet-based program for increasing condom use attitudes, norms, and intentions with non-main sex partners [ Time Frame: Measured at baseline and Month 2 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Participants will receive internet-based messages from the Youthnet program

Behavioral: Youthnet Internet-based program

Messages from the Youthnet program will be interactive and tailored specifically to HIV/STD risk reduction. Participants will be exposed to five flash computer vignettes of 30 seconds each, concerning condom attitudes, norms self-efficacy, and risk awareness.

Active Comparator: 2

Participants will receive internet-based messages from the control program

Behavioral: Control Internet based program

The control program will deliver standard STD/HIV prevention messages.

Detailed Description:

Adolescents and young adults are at the greatest risk for acquiring an STD. Approximately 3 million people between the ages of 18 and 24 become infected each year. Education about the risks and consequences of unprotected sex is a powerful tool that can be used to prevent or reduce the risk of infection. The program in this study will deliver messages to educate participants about condom use and the risk of STD infection. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored interactive online risk reduction program versus a standard online risk reduction program in reducing the risk of STD infection in young adults.

Participants in this 1-year open-label study will be recruited exclusively via the internet. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive internet-based messages from either the Youthnet program or the control program. Messages from the Youthnet program will be interactive and tailored specifically to HIV/STD risk reduction. The control program will deliver standard STD/HIV prevention messages. Participants will be assessed at baseline and a follow-up session 4 months after enrollment. Frequency of condom use and attitudes toward condom use will be assessed using behavioral scales.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 25 Years

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Has access to the internet

Has an e-mail address

Exclusion Criteria:

Colorado resident

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00255944